Ex-Smoggie Venables, admits they have been inspired by the heroics of their countrymen at the Rugby World Cup in France.
England Bank On Toon's Jonny Wilkinson!
The match-winning performances of Wilkinson are the stuff of legends, of course, and as well as winning the World Cup last time around with just seconds to spare, he kicked England into the final against South Africa on Saturday.
Venables: "Jonny Wilkinson has done remarkably well to come back from injury the way he has.
"In the same way Michael Owen has recovered to get back in the England team.
"Both Michael and Jonny had long-term injuries which required a lot of character to battle back from.
"We watched the rugby semi at the hotel and you could not help but get excited by it. It was a very powerful and inspirational performance.
"What the rugby team have achieved after getting such a thumping early on against South Africa is superb.
"We too have rallied after a disappointing patch in this qualifying campaign. There is a lot to be said for good old English grit and desire."